John Baron MP speaks at Children with Cancer UK Parliamentary reception

MP marks charity’s 25 years of cancer research funding

Last week, John Baron MP spoke at a Parliamentary reception organised by Children with Cancer UK, which supports children diagnosed with cancer. Since its inception 25 years ago, the charity has raised £150 million to aid research and treatment of childhood cancers. The event was sponsored by Baroness Thornton, and was attended by the family of Paul O’Gorman, who set up the charity following his death in 1988. It was also addressed by Clara Markiewicz (16), who has made a full recovery following her diagnosis with acute myeloid leukaemia at the age of four.

Over 30 scientific posters were on display at the event, featuring past and present research projects. These included studies looking at the environmental and biological causes of childhood cancer; the development of improved treatments including chemotherapies and immunotherapies; and the identification and reduction of treatment-related side-effects.

John said,

“I congratulate Children with Cancer UK for their exceptional record in supporting younger cancer patients, and for the ground-breaking research they help to fund. This is making a real difference, and has led to a doubling of the survival rate since the 1960s – 80% of teenagers and young adults will now survive a childhood cancer.”

Ends

Word Count: 217

Date: 9^th July 2013

Notes to Editors:

• John is Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cancer.
• The attached photograph, taken at the reception, shows John with children affected by cancer.